ATLANTA—For five weeks this summer, a group of hospitality students from Georgia State University’s Robinson College of Business will intern at three Meliã Hotels International resorts in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Designed for students interested in resort operations, this internship will allow 11 students the opportunity to understand how to integrate sustainable principles into business operations in an international environment.
“Within the hospitality and tourism industry we are seeing an increased focus on applying sustainable ‘best practices’ to affect the bottom line,” says Debby Cannon, director of the School of Hospitality. “By examining how to be environmentally responsible and its ability to influence a business, our students will be better prepared to apply this knowledge after graduation.”
Students will spend several class sessions studying hotel and resort management prior to their departure for the Dominican Republic. While abroad, students will partner with various hotel employees to explore ways to operate more environmentally responsibly and influence the surrounding community.
“These 11 hospitality students can be considered pioneers,” says Ibonne Pinilla, area guest experience manager for Meliã America. “They are the first group that confirms the joint efforts between Meliã Hotels International and Georgia State University to actively research sustainability in operations and further our commitment to corporate social responsibility.”
Meliã Hotels International was founded in 1956 in Spain and is one of the world’s largest resort hotel chains. With more than 350 hotels in 35 countries on four continents, the company is a leader in sustainability within each hotel property and developing the local communities in which they operate.
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